Executive Function Tips for Tweens and Teens - A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

We’re excited to share the recording of our latest ADHDKC Parent Group event, Executive Function Tips for Tweens and Teens, featuring Becky Bowe from FitLearning KC.

If you’re parenting a tween or teen who struggles with organization, time management, follow-through, or transitions, this talk is packed with practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away.

What Becky Covered (and Why It Matters)

Becky focused on how executive functioning is a skill set that has to be taught and practiced, not a character flaw or a lack of motivation. She emphasized that ADHD isn’t about knowing what to do—it’s about being able to do it at the right time, in the right way.

Key takeaways include:

Executive function = the brain’s “air traffic control system”

Skills like planning, task initiation, working memory, time awareness, self-monitoring, and organization all fall under executive function—and they impact everything from homework to morning routines to emotional regulation.

Exposure is not the same as learning

Just because a system works for adults doesn’t mean teens know how to use it. Systems must be explicitly taught, practiced, and supported.

The 3-step support cycle

1. Build the structure (checklists, routines, zones, timers)

2. Support the structure (modeling, prompts, co-doing—not taking over)

3. Fade support over time as independence grows This cycle is dynamic—support may need to increase or decrease depending on the day.

Daily and weekly planning for “future you”

Co-creating checklists at the end of the day and previewing the week ahead helps reduce overwhelm, decision fatigue, and last-minute chaos.

Launch pads and zones

Designated spaces for backpacks, shoes, sports gear, and homework reduce lost items and stressful transitions. These systems work best when the whole family uses them, not just the teen with ADHD.

Timers for open-ended time

Teaching teens to use timers helps manage time blindness, especially during screen time, homework breaks, and evening routines.

Natural consequences are powerful teachers

Forgetting cleats or missing an assignment can be a learning opportunity—when followed by calm reflection and problem-solving, not rescue or shame.

Judgment-free language matters

Giving teens words like “my brain glitched today” instead of “I failed” helps build self-awareness, resilience, and long-term independence.

This recording is especially helpful if you’re trying to figure out how to support your teen without constant reminders, nagging, or power struggles.

Your feedback is requested!

At the end of her talk, Becky shared how valuable your feedback is in shaping future sessions. Please take a moment to complete the brief survey using the link below that she provided. Your voice truly helps guide what we do next. Fill out the survey for Becky